IB ToK Essay Titles and Topics: May 2021

Here are links to ideas and suggestions relating to the the six May 2021 IB ToK Essay topics:

• Topic 1. "Accepting knowledge claims always involves an element of trust." Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 2. Within areas of knowledge, how can we differentiate between change and progress? Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 3. "Labels are a necessity in the organization of knowledge, but they also constrain our understanding." Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 4. "Statistics conceal as much as they reveal." Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 5. "Areas of knowledge are most useful in combination with each other." Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 6. " Avoiding bias seems a commendable goal, but this fails to recognize the positive role that bias can play in the pursuit of knowledge." Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.

I briefly mention some points to consider for each topic below; however, the personalised service I offer is tailored to each student.

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In particular, basing your essays on downloaded templates carries considerable risks. First, you don't know with whom you are dealing.

Secondly, your essay will share the same structure as many others and will likely be considered as plagiarised. As an experienced philosophy and ToK examiner I know how easy it is to identify essays with a common source.

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If you require personal help choosing your May 2021 ToK essay topics, I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send details of my services and fees:

Title 1: "Accepting knowledge claims always involves an element of trust." Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 1 include:

• is trust simply the same as the WOK faith?
• what is the difference between trusting oneself and trusting others?
• are self-evident truths taken on trust?

If you require tailored help with topic 1 of the May 2021 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees:

Title 2: Within areas of knowledge, how can we differentiate between change and progress? Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 2 include:

• the role of truth in distinguishing change and progress
• the functions or uses of knowledge
• the role of rational justification in defending knowledge claims

If you're considering answering topic 2 of the May 2021 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees:

Title 3: "Labels are a necessity in the organization of knowledge, but they also constrain our understanding." Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 3 include:

• are mental concepts labels?
• the role of the imagination in pushing the boundaries of unconstrained knowledge
• the difference between analysing something and labelling it

If you'd like to discuss topic 3 of the May 2021 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees:

Title 4: "Statistics conceal as much as they reveal." Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 4 include:

• the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics
• the difference between subjective and objective probability
• what is the difference between appearance and reality?

If you'd like help with topic 4 of the May 2021 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees:

Title 5: "Areas of knowledge are most useful in combination with each other." Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 5 include:

• the way different questions are asked in different AOKs
• the different methods that each AOK uses to answer its distinctive questions
• how can AOKs combine without merging and losing their identity?

If you're considering addressing topic 5 of the May 2021 ToK essay titles, then by all means email me and I'll send you details of my services and fees:

Title 6: " Avoiding bias seems a commendable goal, but this fails to recognize the positive role that bias can play in the pursuit of knowledge." Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 6 include:

• can we ever see the world, as it is, without using concepts?
• do we need bias to form hypotheses in the imagination?
• what is the difference between an objective and a subjective judgement?

If you're writing on topic 6 of the May 2021 ToK essay titles, then I'd be happy to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees: